Whiplash (2014): J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Paul Reiser

Explosive! Extraordinary! Unforgettable!

"There are no two words in the English language more harmful than "good job".

- Terrace Fletcher

Whiplash is a headstrong film that literally entrances the audience from start to finish. The film theme surrounds a young man, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), an ambitious jazz drummer student at the prestigious New York conservatory of music with an extraordinary musical gift who becomes entrenched in a personal war with Terrence Fletcher (J.K.Simmons) a hardcore and often sadistic teacher. The struggle of egos between the two is downright mesmerizing as Fletcher's goal is to find someone to play the drums at the highest level possible (Charlie Parker-like) in the music industry. The task is almost impossible and the rigors inflicted on the students and especially Neiman are brutal and cringe worthy. It reminds the audience that being the finest of anything in life requires absolute dedication, perfectionism and complete devotion to the end goal - being outstanding above fellow competitors. This often means subjecting the human spirit and body to rigorous and unimaginable feats in order to achieve the goal. Anyone who loves sports, loves to win and loves victory will eat the film up like a piece of cake.

J.K. Simmons (Best Supporting Actor 2015) is brilliant as a tyrant with an eye for excellence. The startling performance is unnerving, disturbing and gut wrenching. And, Miles Teller nails it as student on a relentless mission to succeed no matter the cost.

"Were you rushing or were you dragging?" - Terrance Fletcher

The film is completely unforgettable, moving and an absolute ride on the frailties and strength of the human condition. To be first rate at anything requires extreme measures and the cream does indeed rise to the top. Not for the faint of heart for this film makes the audience think over and over again - to achieve, to rise to the crest of achievement - the work must be done, the studying must be completed, the sacrifices must be made and in this case the physical body coordination and mental focus like all sports, music geniuses or anything else in life must obtained with pinpoint obsession and focus. Must see!

Popular posts from this blog

This post contains affiliate links. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Don't Crush the Butterfly!

"Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people." - Prince

Butterfly's come in all shapes and sizes painted in dazzling and colorful hues. The beauty and varied differences of the butterfly are astounding and beloved by the beholder. There are approximately 20,000 species throughout the world dancing in the sun and air. Yet, what does a butterfly mean to fashionistas? Well, for one all the people of the land can evolve into creative and wondrous butterflies. It is through the journey of life that sometimes the environment, family, friends and peers willingly crush the beauty and charming essence of you - the exotic butterfly.

Don't Destroy the Wings of Flight
There will always be the vengeful, the user, the hateful or a person filled with jealousy and envy that clips the wings of the butterfly. Their i…

Now more than ever we need love in our world instead of hate. Hate is prevalent and it seems to be growing creating sorting and isolation. We need to watch our words, think about what how we communicate verbally and written and always strive to be a figure of grace, wit and kindness. Strident words in communication of any sort can only lead to misery to the person creating the dissertation. Recognize tragedy but lead with a firm hand of resolution and strength. Which leads me to my favorite color red that signifies - love. We are lost as people and as a nation without love, kindness, thoughtfulness and understanding . Thus, my adventure with the color red has always been front and center in my life.

I have worn red lipstick with red nails forever. It is a signature look for me that I adore even though my mother constantly told me not to wear red lipstick. Of course, I didn't listen. In 2018, I started…